What common adverse effect might a patient experience with digoxin?

Digoxin is a medication commonly used in the management of heart failure and certain arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. One of the notable adverse effects associated with digoxin is visual disturbances. Patients may report symptoms such as blurred vision, altered color perception (often described as a yellow or green halo effect around lights), or even complete vision changes. These visual disturbances are significant because they can indicate digoxin toxicity, which can occur if the drug levels in the blood become too high, leading to other serious complications.

The mechanism behind these visual disturbances is believed to relate to digoxin's action on the central nervous system and its influence on the optic nerve pathways. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for timely intervention and prevention of further toxicity.

Other options listed do not commonly relate to digoxin. Hearing loss, weight loss, and increased thirst are not typically associated with the use of digoxin and may indicate other underlying issues or medications rather than being a direct consequence of digoxin therapy.